Collin Schaefer
Hiring interns? You might want to consider paying them (and probably should).
I graduated from college in May 2009. During that time, “unpaid internships” were all the rage (whether they were legal or not was another consideration all together). As the economy is going though another downturn, I suspect unpaid internships will be on the rise again. While the Department of Labor rules governing unpaid internship programs … Read more
What is a Trademark Disclaimer, Anyway?
Taking a slight break from the current news and topics this week to talk about our favorite topic at OG+S: trademarks. A Little Background: Not every word or phrase in the universe can be trademarked. Specifically, words that are generic or descriptive (without something more) cannot be protected. It sounds complicated, but most of the … Read more
Working Virtual? Here Are Some Tools We Use:
We have offices in Cedarburg and Madison – but in reality, we work all over the place (or did, until we all started working from home). Making that happen seems pretty easy, especially with technology, but getting the right mix and hitting our stride took time – and there were bumps in the road. Along … Read more
First to File? First to Use? It’s Not the Same Everywhere! Thoughts on Trademark Strategy for Global Companies:
Trademarks are our jam at OG+S. This post is a short one about trademark strategy and what to think about if your brand has a global reach. First to Use: In the United States, we have a “first to use” system when it comes to trademarks. What that means is that the Company who uses … Read more
Commercial Real Estate Purchases and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (aka Superfund)
When people say “Superfund,” I don’t think purchases of “run of the mill” commercial real estate come to mind (as often as they maybe should). Prior to becoming a lawyer, the word “Superfund” evoked images of Mad Max-esque chemical spill disasters, rampant white collar crime and greedy capitalism in my mind – the purchase of … Read more
Risk: Traveling Internationally With Your Cell Phone & Laptop
Spoiler alert everyone – I’m in Europe right now. Special thanks to my awesome business partners, Erin Ogden and Jeff Glazer, for making this trip possible. As all business owners know, finding time to vacation is tough, especially if you don’t have partners to lean on. As a way of background before we get started … Read more
FDA Issues New Enforcement Letters to CBD Companies
Two months ago, the FDA disclosed that they recently warned 15 companies producing and\or selling CBD that their actions in marketing the products were contrary to Federal Law. We were just gearing up for the holidays, so everyone at OG+S didn’t want to sour the mood, but now that we’re halfway though January, this development … Read more
‘Tis the Season: Send Us a 1099!
Right after the holidays, small businesses have a lot on their plate – W-2’s and 1099’s are due soon, and so are final quarter self employment tax payments! Question: Recently, a client asked: “Do I need to send OG+S a 1099 for services?” and because it was such a great question, it naturally became the … Read more
Happy Holidays to You and Yours
Happy Holidays! Everyone at OG+S wishes you a great holiday and prosperous New Year. If you’ve worked with us for any length of time, you know we are animal lovers at heart – so with that, I give you photos of our furry family members \ legal assistants!